The Devil and the demons influence mankind so much that the Bible says: "The Evil One controls the whole world." (1 John 5:19, New Century Version) The Bible idenfies ways that the Devil exerts his influence on people.
* Deception. The Bible encourages Christians to "fight against the devil's evil tricks." (Ephesians 6:11, NCV) One of his tricks is to deceive people into believing that his agents are actually serving God. - 2 CORINTHIANS 11:13-15.
* Spiritism. The Devil misleads people through spirit mediums, fortune-tellers, and thsoe who practice divination or astrology. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Drug use, hypnotism, and mediation techniques that empty the mind also expose a person to demon control. - LUKE 11:24-26.
* False religion. Religions that teach false doctrines mislead people into disobeying God. (1 Corinthians 10:20) The Bible calls such false beliefs "teachings of demons." - 1 TIMOTHY 4:1.
* Possession. The Bible records cases of evil spirits taking control of individuals. Somethings demon-possessed people were struck blind or mute or even injured themselves. - MATTHEW 12:22; MARK 5:2-5.
How to Avid the Devil's Influence
You need not live in dread of demon control, for the Bible shows how you can successfully oppose the Devil.
* Learn to recognize the Devil's methods so that you are "not ignorant of his designs." - 2 CORINTHIANS 2:11.
* Take in knowledge from the Bible, and then apply what you learn. Applying Bible principles will protect you from the Devil's influence. - EPHESIANS 6:11-18.
* Get rid of anything connected with demon activity. (Acts 19:19) That includes music, books, magazines, posters, an videos that encourage spiritism.
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